When it comes to Google-powered social networking, its track record hasn't been so great. Today, though, a new social service has been announced by El Goog: Google+. It's been a long-time coming, and judging by what I've seen thus far, it looks like it won't disappoint. In my opinion, it's the social network to save us from social networks by adding a very real-world feel to the mix. Google has clearly put a lot of thought into how to incorporate our virtual life with the way we do things in the real world.

Circles

The core of the service is called Circles, and it allows you to categorize your friends into groups, so you can decide who sees certain information, and who is left out of the loop. For instance, you can share your most intimate experiences with your closest friends or family, but exclude your co-workers or acquaintances from the mix. Here's a closer looks at how Circles works:

Sparks

In order to give users of common interest a place to aggregate and babble relentlessly about the things that matter to them, Google+ offers a feature called Sparks. Using keywords, you add the things that you love to talk about, so you can share interests amongst friends.

Hangouts

When it comes to our friends, talking face-to-face is the only way to go. For that, Google+ has Hangouts: a place where users of similar Circles can join together to video chat with each other. This could be a potentially great way for friends to hang out together, regardless of the distance between them.

Mobile, Instant Uploads, and Huddle

Of course, what good would all of these social elements be without the ability to take them with you? For that, there's a mobile app that incorporates features like Instant Upload and Huddle. Like the name suggests, Instant Upload automatically shares photos that you take from within the app with the Circles of your choice, all in real time. Huddle is a group chat feature that allows you to quickly and easily communicate with certain Circles. Here are a couple of videos highlighting the mobile app, as well as Instant Upload and Huddle:

Sign Up and Download

Honestly, I can already see so many great uses for Google+, and it's barely in its beta stages. The service is slowly being rolled out to users who sign up, but will be expanded to cover everyone as more features are added. You can sign up for here, and grab the app (which is useless if you haven't been invited to the service) from the Android Market.

Cameron is a self-made geek, Android enthusiast, horror movie fanatic, musician, and cyclist. When he's not pounding keys here at AP, you can find him spending time with his wife and kids, plucking away on the 6-string, spinning on the streets, or watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on repeat.

Comments

LinkedIn was lucky to IPO before this. Facebook not so much. But that's ok, because their valuation is so artificially inflated it's ridiculous.

JLishere

"Circles" is something Facebook should have embraced years ago. Now it's too late. While FB remains a good way to keep in touch with all kinds of people, it's no longer a place where I feel comfortable﻿ interacting with them. Enter Google+, for the win.